Tag: dancing

Im going to start writing a little bit more again on this Blog, as I’ve been Vlogging quite more than the usual but theres really something about writing that makes a memory and a place more beautiful. I went to St. Petersburg, Russia last June for my ballet teacher conference and now I cannot think of a place more fitting to watch ballets.

From my years of watching ballets in Tokyo, New York, Hong Kong and in Manila. I feel as though going to Russia just to watch ballets is one of best ways to experience a beautiful ballet, Watching ballet shows in Japan coming next to it. The crowd was so unlike Japan, they were so rowdy when clapping and screaming “Bravo” but they were so appreciative of the art, and at first it surprised me. Having watched most of my ballets in Japan, where everyone claps together and no one dare makes a sound or a cough. In Russia is the complete opposite, they are quiet maybe while the show is going but in between everyone is quite rowdy clapping.

I soon learned to appreciate their ways too and the way their audiences would clap for their favourite dancers. They would also leave flowers to their favourite dancers backstage, and I really loved that they would give plenty of flowers to their favourite dancers. Every show was full and every crowd had a different air. I loved the architecture of the place and the ambiance. When I first entered the Mariinsky, I almost wanted to cry because the place I had been dreaming about for so long was finally here right in front of me. I had tears in my eyes and my heart I knew by then felt a sense of relief and happiness.

Now after my trip even, I feel a sense of nostalgia each time I go into a ballet theatre. I always get flashbacks of my moments and the shows I watched at Mariinsky. I watched a total of 6 different ballets, and initially I had only bought 3 ballet tickets. At the end of my stay, I decided that it was so much more worth it than watching ballets that cost the same back home but with poorer quality.

With my new and beautiful friends Marianne and Liezl.

TIPS WHEN WATCHING SHOWS:
1. Buy the tickets online, purchasing them online is much cheaper than purchasing them at the theatre. I was able to get each ticket for about 60-100usd. If you are a student such as myself you can get the ticket on the special rate.

2. There is no need to dress up but it would be nice to look nice as there are some people who are really into dressing up for the ballet.

3. Enjoy and take in everything slowly. It hit me all at once and too quickly, and I cannot wait to return again for my next years of conferences. This time ill be ready to watch more ballet shows.

Knowing your worth as a dancer is always important. I always believe that you should see yourself in your own way and not in how others see you. I think being a dancer this is one of the hardest things. We are taught in class to be obedient, listen and to absorb, and we are told not to hold back during during rehearsals and shows.

There will always be someone better that is true, and for the past 22 or so years I’ve had to learn this the hard way. That there is enough sunshine for everyone, but you should believe that if you work hard enough (like really work, eat breathe live dance) you deserve your piece of sunshine too and don’t be afraid to show that you do. ❤️

Picture taken during my performance last summer as Paquita by Miguel Antonio Gonzales

Everything is beautiful at the ballet (from an audiences perspective) but everything is chaotic backstage. I’m just not used to the normal dancers life anymore.

I forgot how it was to stay long hours in the theater. Not seeing much daylight. The feeling of always being in a studio or in the theater. The feeling that I once loved and maybe still do love.

Click on the image for the full size.

Before class

During class

After Class

It’s really something special when you’re backstage, because you get to see everything. The sequins all over the floor. Sweat EVERYWHERE. Dancers screaming once they step out of the stage as soon as they exit the wings. The chaos of putting make up, the communal hairspray being passed around to everyone. The death of my pointe shoes by the coffee that was beside my bag last night. (sad but, it’s about time I guess) I am so thankful that I still get to experience this.

Whenever I’m backstage, I forget the time. I forget that there is a world outside of this, it is one of the reasons why I fell in love with dancing. As I get to feel this again, I wish to enjoy every moment of what is left of it.

Current Location:

LENA

27. Japanese. Danced with a ballet company for 6 years. Currently a Ballet Teacher, Owner of Dance by Lina (My own dance wear business) and finally finished taking my second degree in Accountancy. I love to travel when I have the time. I’ll even force in a day trip or two even when I’m busy. Because to me there is more to life than just studying or being in a ballet studio all day. Life is meant to be lived.